World Vision’s focus in responding to this recent series of emergencies is the physical and emotional needs of vulnerable children, whose stories highlight the depth of need in this beleaguered part of the world. (WATCH VIDEO)

October 2009

Over the past several weeks, multiple disasters have struck the Asia Pacific region, from typhoons in the Philippines, to flooding in India, to earthquakes in Indonesia, to a tsunami in American Samoa.

The humanitarian needs are staggering — millions of people have been left displaced, lacking basic essentials for survival and experiencing desperation as they struggle to restore a sense of stablility and normalcy in their lives. World Vision teams are on the ground in all of these places, rushing relief items to those in greatest need.

But the true impact of these disasters can be measured best on a micro level — through the stories of affected children whose lives have been turned upside down. World Vision recognizes that the youngest survivors of a disaster are also the most vulnerable and require the most support to recover. Our staff members are working tirelessly to provide material and psychosocial assistance to these children, as the stories below illustrate.

Indonesia: Riza loses her home and school

Seven-year-old Riza was playing outside near her home in West Sumatra, Indonesia, when the earthquake struck. She recalls her experience: “I was so scared, I ran straight to our house. The house had collapsed,” she said. So, too, had her school, one of at least 500 across the region left damaged or destroyed by the strong tremors.

In the aftermath, this second-grade girl and her family received a Famly Survival Kit from World Vision, containing basic items like blankets and a tarpaulin. Riza was also introduced to a Child-Friendly Space, where she was able to go spend time with other children and talk about her experience in a supportive environment. Read Riza's full story...

Philippines: Jerome’s books swept away by Typhoon Ketsana

Before Typhoon Ketsana struck, Jerome and his sister Jasmin, 11, would pore over books after school. “I teach him to read because he is really interested to learn. We would read children’s stories,” says Jasmin.

But the siblings haven’t had a reading lesson since the storm. The classroom they shared with 30 other students was cleared of books and learning materials to make room for some 600 families who sought temporary shelter.

It could be some time before this first-grader can return to school. But he may be able to resume his reading lessons again soon, thanks to a World Vision Child-Friendly Space at the evacuation center. Read Jerome’s full story...

India: Massive flooding strips Ravi’s family of everything

Ravi Kumar, 14, and his mother, Subadramma, couldn’t control their tears when they found their hens dead — 12 of them, all washed away by the raging floodwaters. Being a single mother, the loss of a substantial source of livelihood is devastating. Now, this family doesn’t even want to go back to their village.

“I used to see [the hens] in front of my house every day as soon as I got up. But now, they are all dead. I feel very sad,” says Ravi, whose family lost everything when floods overwhelmed their village in south-central India along the banks of the Krishna River. At one point, the water was more than 14 feet deep.

World Vision is prioritizing the urgent needs of Ravi and families like his who have been devastated by the recent flooding. After their village was inundated, Ravi, his mother and grandmother received a Family Survival Kit consisting of clothing, towels, sheets, mosquito nets, cooking supplies, and a tarpaulin. Read Ravi's full story...

American Samoa: A mother’s heartbreak

Laura Reinhardt, a frequent contributor to World Vision Magazine, traveled to American Samoa to report on the Sept. 29 tsunami and World Vision’s disaster relief efforts in the region. While there, she met Taitasi, a woman whose story represents the tragedy that so many in Samoa have experienced. Her 6-year-old daughter, Vaijoresa, was swept away when the tsunami hit.

The little girl was buried, as is the custom, in her family’s front yard in Leone, between her uncle’s and great-great grandfather’s graves. She was buried in an adult coffin. They’ve run out of children’s coffins here.

“I feel a little bit stronger now because she’s laying right there,” said Taitasi of her daughter. “I know she’s in good hands with God. And I believe I’m going to see her again some day.” Read Taitasi's full story...